From this Garchomp's power, the opponent probably chose Life Orb.
Since the game lacked Gengar's Mega Evolution Stone item, Lu Ye chose Focus Sash.
Focus Sash's game effect: When receiving fatal damage, 1 HP remains.
Extended to reality, it meant clinging to the last sliver of stamina.
Pale-faced Gengar 'urp' vomited a headband from its gaping mouth, tremblingly tying it on its forehead.
Battle flames ignited in its eyes. Gengar revitalised!
"Every time, I can't help criticising this cutscene animation." Lu Ye sighed. "There's actually this kind of operation?!"
In real battles, trainers tried every method to make opponents unable to guess their Pokémon's held items.
Like hiding Life Orb in concealed places, disguising Disguise as Rowlet's cloak...
Ghost-types like Gengar with built-in four-dimensional stomachs; Lu Ye estimated that entering with four or five Leppa Berries wouldn't be a problem.
Of course, this tactic was too dirty. Lu Ye's conscience couldn't accept it.
But speaking of which, would referees genuinely check held item quantities...
Why not try next time?
In the virtual image, Garchomp's forehead countdown showed less than one minute. The opponent launched storm-like, fierce attacks.
Gengar dodged and weaved, Protect not-Protect Protect, stubbornly dragging to the final ten seconds.
10!
9!
"Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"
"Gengar, Double Team!"
Verdant dragon claw tore space. Gengar used Double Team to dodge stylishly, making faces while sticking out its tongue.
5!
4!
Cynthia frowned, attempting to recall airborne Garchomp.
But just then, pitch-black shadow spread from Gengar's feet toward Garchomp.
Countless arms burst from shadows, firmly grabbing Garchomp, preventing Cynthia from recalling it!
Countdown reached zero. Battle-will-lost Garchomp yawned, lazily falling from the sky.
Simultaneously, the system announced Lu Ye's victory.
"Holy crap, Mean Look plus Perish Song?"
"Doesn't that mean opponents can't switch?"
"There's actually this kind of operation?!"
"Teacher Lu, can this tactic be used in reality?"
Lu Ye pondered momentarily. "Theoretically, yes."
"Perish Song is a psychological attack. Once opponents lose the battle will, it similarly counts as a victory in formal matches."
"Unlike ordinary battles, this is like Charm, Attract; all clever tactics."
"But once successfully used, all that's left is Protect not-Protect Protect!"
Barrage filled the screen. Stream popularity again broke through one million.
Witnessing Teacher Lu's new tactics' birth, popularity once broke through 2 million!
"Got it! Going to challenge Gym Leaders!"
"Teacher Lu is godly! This is his third tactic!"
Ordinary Master-level trainers proficiently mastering two different tactics was already quite excellent.
After all, tactical styles were hard to change. Many just charged through with one team.
Yet Teacher Lu consecutively pulled out three tactics within two months, teaching them unreservedly...
This couldn't just be described as selfless.
Teacher Lu was the god of dirty tactics!
Gift special effects continuously rose. Lu Ye glanced at the system.
[Stream popularity first broke through 2 million, BP+1000!]
[...]
[Spectacular command, BP+200]
[Remaining BP: 5780]
One evening, gaining 2000+ BP genuinely exceeded Lu Ye's expectations.
But thinking carefully, this was probably the Perish Song team's first appearance before the world in this form.
Though reality had trainers using Perish Song teams, promotional effects definitely couldn't match Lu Ye's stream's prominence.
The current 2000 BP was just the current-stage income.
After editing and posting videos, as influence continued fermenting, exchanging Protect Move Machine was just in time!
Glancing at Gastly, finding it dazedly staring at that swaggering Gengar on display, even drooling.
Lu Ye smiled, poking Gastly.
"Don't worry. Someday, you can be this dirty too!"
"Kekeke!"
Lu Ye returned before the camera, coughing lightly. "Alright, today's stream ends here."
"Non-subscribers hit subscribe. See you tomorrow!"
With practised motions, light-speed logged off. Besides question marks, the barrage showed many loyal fans.
"All rise!"
"Tears!"
"See you Teacher Lu!"
Cynthia looked at the "Defeat" word on screen in surprise.
Untying her hair tie, Cynthia lay back on pure white bedding, tossing the controller aside, letting golden hair scatter.
"Mmm..."
If it was a real battle, this Gengar would've been stabbed into a beehive by Cynthia's Garchomp long ago.
But even in reality, this Perish Song tactic indeed had merits.
Johto region's Ecruteak City Ghost-type Gym Leader Morty was a Perish Song team's loyal follower.
Sevii Islands' Ice-type Elite Four Lorelei, besides the extreme Ice domain, her Lapras and Dewgong were Perish Song, were her tactics' core.
Could only say as a game, Pokémon: Battle couldn't be completely like real battles.
That said, losing the game still made Cynthia somewhat unhappy.
Sighing, Cynthia picked up her phone, intending to complain to Diantha, but Professor Rowan's call came.
"Eterna City unearthed new inscriptions. When you have time, come to the Eterna Museum."
"Your Eastern region visit ended?"
"Yes... gained much!"
Professor Rowan felt somewhat emotional. "Eastern region scholars are accomplished in various fields, with a rich academic atmosphere."
"To be honest, I invited a student to be my assistant, but was refused."
Cynthia was somewhat surprised. "Didn't you stop recruiting assistants?"
As Sinnoh's Pokémon Studies authority, countless people broke their heads wanting to study under Professor Rowan.
Disturbed Professor Rowan publicly declared he'd stop recruiting assistants.
Yet now Professor Rowan proactively invited... and got refused?
Professor Rowan sighed. "He researched Sinnoh mythology extensively. I hoped he could help you."
"But he had zero interest in becoming a researcher, and even lacked interest in being a trainer."
Cynthia smiled. "Everyone has aspirations."
Years ago, Cynthia disregarded Grandmother's opposition, independently embarking on conquering the Sinnoh League, relying on Pokémon love and battle enthusiasm.
Everyone had the right to pursue their dreams. Cynthia deeply understood this.
"Perhaps." Professor Rowan shook his head. "What's your upcoming schedule?"
"December has the Attribute Expert Tournament in Eterna City. I'll serve as judge."
Professor Rowan nodded, suddenly realising. "You plan to rest for a three-month vacation?"
Cynthia mumbled unclearly. "Professor, phone's dying. Hanging up."
Putting down her phone, Cynthia opened the game interface.
Carefully recalling the recent battle, Cynthia pondered momentarily, clicking the 'Add Friend' button.
--------------------------------
Hey guys, Just started writing a few other new stories. Go check them out.
Pokémon: I Really Didn't Want to Become a Trainer
...
Courting Death in the Ninja World
--------------------------------
If you visit: [email protected]/LordInfernal, you can get up to 25 advanced chapters.
Thank you. Now, let us get back to the story!!
--------------------------------